Microsoft’s Latest Laptop Hunters Find That PCs Are Perfect For Families On A Budget

@ISOHaven: You'll be waiting your entire life because your as thick as a rock. It's like Jerry's kids came to bless us with your account. You claimed that an 8 core machine is NOT a high grade machine. Go read your stupid idiotic comments. The final conclusion? YOUR WRONG. Deal with it. What's wrong with you anyway? Did your mom not breast feed you enough?

imTheKing

@imTheKing: Easy, because the world is full of idiots. I'm still waiting for you to prove how an 8 core machine is as HIGH end as a 16 core machine. How a 32GB machine is as high end as a 64GB machine. Yet all you do post after post is whine and cry like a baby about fanboyism. Get your head out of your ass and address the issue at hand. But, you must be right. The only people in this world that are right are those with Gizmodo friends. That's pretty much how you base your entire world on what is right and what is wrong. I'm still waiting....

ISOHaven

@imTheKing: Proof once again you're nothing but a tool.

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: of course you would disagree, but hey, that's because your a twat.

imTheKing

@cpthook: I actually consider myself a pretty funny guy, but his comment was not funny, whichever way you look at it, and some people might even find it offensive.

pettiblay

@TheHeartless: I didn't hear any Mac bashing. What are you talking about? In all of these commercials they also turn away from various PCs for not meeting their needs. You seem rather bitter.

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: ever wonder why there are so many people arguing against you? Looks like your wrong in the end either way. Your responses negate previously negated responses and you've basically turned this thread into a large pile of shit. Fact is, your a PC fanboy, possibly the worst on this entire blog to ever spread your comments. You've been schooled over and over in this single post by not only Nutbastard, but the entire Gizmodo user base. Even a few PC users gave you the swift stfu. Take a look at your profile and think to yourself, wow, no one has opted to friend me so my posts must be useless. It speaks for itself. Now go back to your world of illogical reasoning.

imTheKing

@imTheKing:

Actually, you never made that point. Not even close. You've also done nothing to prove me wrong. Not a single post of yours explain how a 8 core Mac can beat a 16 core PC. You have never done that and I don't expect you ever will.

Sorry pal, but you are DEAD WRONG. You can ALWAYS build a much faster PC then you can build a Mac (legally). With such a HIGHER END existing, you can NOT put Apple at the high end.

@quayzar:

Do you assume when I speak about cores that I do NOT keep the same specs across the board? Of course cores isn't the only factor. But I choose to keep the number of words I use to a minimum on blog sites. I figured everyone here had enough of a brain to figure out that the 8 core machine I speak of needs to have a similar spec sheet to the 16 core machine.

So yes, an 8 core machine will NOT beat out a 16 core machine of similar specs.

Yes a 6cly vehicle can stomp an 8cly vehicle. But that's not exactly the point here now is it?

@JYHASH:

1. WTF are you blabbering about? Nothing you said does anything to negate my earlier comments. Nothing at all.

2. I said plenty of nice things about Apple including the fact that they use high quality components. I use BOTH machines. So now you flat out look like the douchebag that you claimed I was. So let's see...um..TAG you're it? Talk about childish!

PC = good and wide range
Apple = good but narrow range

OMFG!!!! This guy a PC fanboy!!! Seriously? You're as idiotic as the self proclaimed king...

Oh and what exactly do you think it is nutjob did? Going back and looking real quick I see one childish post and another idiotic post that was quickly put down by someone else. But then again, if nutjob is your idol it's easy to put your comments into perspective.

ISOHaven

@pettiblay: Uh...it was funny... see above about having no sense of humor.

And comedy isn't a majority vote. Some things are funny. If you're too dense to get it, it doesn't mean it's not funny.

cpthook

@quayzar: exactly my point.

imTheKing

@ISOHaven: Saying there is no such thing as a G5 powerhouse is like saying there is no such thing as a P4 powerhouse. I was with you that there are more choice that can be made with a PC vs. Mac but then you go and start becoming such a PC fanboy.

Also it seems by your definition of "powerhouse" a computer has to have more than 8 processing cores. WTF?! Does that mean that a v12 Jag is more powerful than a Bentley Brooklands!?

quayzar

@ISOHaven: use my brain... like you? I think you've been completely shut out at this point by every possible commenter that has any credibility on this blog.

You are someone who likes to change their story every other post and continue to repeat a ridiculously pathetic response, time and time again.

So heres a quick recap.

• You've been slapped around numerous times on your idiotic "Mid Grade / High Grade" nonsense

• You've been provided ample examples of why YOU ARE WRONG.

• You continue to spread your idiotic self over Gizmodo like Herpes.

OK so let me mark off this douche bag checklist that defines your every day life annndddd..... we're done.

imTheKing

@Tyler Anderson:

You DO know that Kias' are made by one of the biggest corporations on the fraking planet right?

dOk

@ISOHaven: Aaaaaaand you keep making yourself by looking like more and more of a douchebag the more you just troll on here for the sake of trolling. We all know there will be PC fanboys (you apparently), and Mac Fanboys. And oh look, a thread that is ripe for the trolling!

Seriously, just stop. The reasoning that neither side here is seeing is that YES, some PC's have some really high end specs and are very versatile. You can build your own PC and probably, if its not loaded with bloatware and it is one you've over clocked yourself, and if you have the thousands of dollars to build a 24 core server to play Crysis like it was on liquid crystal meth, you can blend it just fine.

But, for the most part, the types of people featured in these ads (oh wait, a comment that actually pertains to the article & video? *GASP* Troll Blasphemy!) are not going to go to newegg, tiger direct, etc. and build their own computers. They want something that works out of the box, something easy to learn, and most likely, something that has support. Now, when was the last time that you brought anything in to Geek Squad, and they actually fixed the problem for under say $150? And I mean actually fixed it? Okay, say that you hate geek squad and go to a local computer repair shop? Are they authorized warranty service houses for Sony, Toshiba, Acer, Dell, HP, etc? Probably not, or at least not all of them at the same shop. So you have to ship out your computer and most likely wait the better part of 2 weeks for turnaround on it (I'm sure you have some great story about how your PC was repaired at it's specified service depot in less that 48 hours or something, and if that's the case, good for you: you're one of the lucky chosen few of the PC-God's Children).

I swear, the one thing that most people do not understand about PC's,is that whereas they may have SIMILAR specs (and not the same mind you, if it was technically the same all PC's would have an EFI chip that would allow OS X to run on it, they don't, so already your argument falters there), is that the amount if costs on the back end for non power users far outweighs the costs for mac users. Pc users may have to spend upwards of $500 in Service fees and unnecessary (for mac at least) software. Each time a soccer mom gets a nasty virus because her lout husband is surfing porn after he gets home from work, and the Norton Crapfest that was bundled with the computer doesn't eliminate it because the virus can hide from the program, she'll have to take it in to be serviced. And there's where the back end money comes from. For macs, you have a 1 time fee if you buy applecare, very straight forward tech support and service locations and epic scale turn around time (even if out of warranty).

So yes, your PC's may be better on paper than Mac's, and frankly some Mac's are better in stability and upkeep than your PC's. But seeing as there is NO WAY you can refute (although I'm sure your rampant Douchbagginess Syndrome will attempt to reply with a litany of "Mac's Suck"and "Here's a list of why you're dumb") any if the points that I've alleged above, let's see if you can make a comment that is ON TOPIC with the fact that a young family will soon be tearing their hair out because they bought a HP Laptop from "Best"buy which has netted them a crapily built computer, excellently shitty support, and absolutely zero customer satisfaction.

Let the motherfucking games begin.

Again.

Balls in your court, TROLL.

~JYH

PS: You got pwned in the comments by a guy with a star, and not just some random Star comment, but motherfrakking NUTBASTARD. Nobody takes your comments seriously because of that. Just a little FYI for ya.

This is what bothers me about these ads: they could be great if they didn't Mac-bash. Really, if you take that out of the equation, what you're left with is a campaign built on why Windows is a generally great purchase for certain demographics with different needs. But when you bring the Mac-bashing into it, it feels petty, silly, and otherwise needless. It gets very stale, very quickly. With each video boiling down to a pretty strict formula, you know to expect that at about three quarters the way through, you'll hear them bash the Mac (although you never see them bash the Gateway or Dell because it might not suit their needs as well as the HP or Acer) and it gets very trite, very quickly. No one likes immaturity, or a spiteful attitude. These marketing videos would be absolutely great if they just left it at "this is why PC's are right for you."

dammit, when will you people learn its not about screen size? it always comes down to a big screen. trust me a 17" is no fun to move more than across a room.

Tyson Floris

@loose_screw:

Um, well ... the Apple key is used as the 'Windows' key in Boot Camp or Parallels or VMWare and any current mac portable system has the 'two-fingers on trackpad' method of enabling a right-click. I use that method on my MBP and before that on my Powerbook the ctrl key to enable right click was just a pinky's reach away from the trackpad.

I hated the idea of using the trackpad based on prior experiences on PCs, where I would have to tweak the sensitivity settings to the point that I could use the trackpad and not register hand movements across the palmrest while typing. The compromise on PC was always to press harder on the trackpad than what felt natural or comfortable. And the stupid keyboard nipple was not much better. So the little things Apple does like the algorithms used in their trackpad touch detection are what make the slight increase in cost worth that much to me.

FYI, I'm typing this on my homebuilt PC cause I use both but at this point I only have a PC for storage (4 TB and counting-not all used yet but it's my data repository and is backed up by a fancy new Acer Aspire Windows Home Server machine), games (yay Steam and GOG!) and making sure I'm keeping up with what innovations occur within the standard PC world so I can be constantly reminded of why I value my Apple products so much more.

spittingangels

Man, I sure love these flame-war on PC vs Mac. I have owned a Mac for 2 years and PC for 10+ years. I used to hate Mac before the new OSX and before Intel chip, well I hated with a passion. However, now it's all fair game.
PC or Mac, it all depends on what you wanna do with it and if you got the money for it. If you're a gamer, most likely a PC is the better choice. If you're a film editor, then Mac is your thing since Final Cut Pro rock pretty hard. Then again, you could be a clueless girl/boy and well then it all comes down to
1. buy which ever the hell you like.
or
2. buy which ever the hell your parents are willing shell out the money for you to buy.

now please everyone STFU about this!
You can't have sex with neither one of them, so get over it nerds, I sure have...(note to self: get a girlfriend)

fuzzymemo

@imTheKing:

And you CLEARLY did not understand the task. I said there is nothing a Mac can do that a PC can't.

Now if you had HALF A BRAIN you would have realized that what that software title does CAN ALSO BE DONE on a PC. Very well! I said absolutely nothing about showing me something exclusive to an OS.

Think about that for more then two seconds before replying.

Also, I never said ANYTHING about that software's quality. So thank you for proving your:

1. narrow mindedness
2. hotheadedness
3. ignorance
4. stupidity
5. that you just plain old do NOT get it

Jesus dude, learn to use your brain!

ISOHaven

That's not at all their kid but I do like the attempted meeting in the middle as far as skin tone...

Anyway the ad with the video editor lady made me laugh...Anyone who edits wouldn't pass up a Mac without at the very least considering it even if they despise Apple as some of you do. And even if she was leaning towards more hard core editing, iMovie beats Movie Maker with a hockey stick any day....Movie Maker once made me cry almost when I was young. Learned my lesson though...Save and save OFTEN. If you don't Windows will eat your stuff. For fun.

She has money for breast implants but wants a $700 laptop?

@Duane Llave: yeah the nonwhite people aren't mac fanboys.

SuramaAte

@Justin Culmo: Are you saying Apple doesn't make functional designed products? Could have fooled me. Not only have they been recognized by everyone for such achievements, but they have one of the "top" designers in the world (Jonathan Ive).

You should learn to respect the time put into everything you use. I suggest you watch Objectified.

As for being a dumb user, I'd love to compare our achievements in the fields. I'd be willing to bet on mine, thats for sure. But being that your in the Facebook user category, I'll leave it at that and let you pretend you matter.

imTheKing

@imTheKing: Functional design and quality? Since when? Jim Topoleski just said Apples have the same guts as PCs. I guess all that brushed aluminum and shiny black plastic makes it work better. Personally, I prefer rubbing Cheetah blood on my processor.

Let me tell you about functional design. It must be wonderful to own a machine with no screws or seams on the side, they wouldn't want a dumb user like yourself to get inside and see all the black magic voodoo that makes pictures and sounds appear in front of you.

3 things make a computer appealing:
The looks, the guts, and the OS. That's how I see it.

Justin Culmo

@Jim Topoleski: Sure, if you have a power mac (now called mac pro) for $3000, you can easily buy a Nvidia/ATI card and plug it in.

By all means, please tell me where to stick that card if I have an iMac, or mac mini.

You're right, the main boards, ram, hdds are not any more proprietary than any other manufacturer, they're made by companies like intel, maybe asus or foxconn or nVidia, and they have standard PCI/PCI-e slots (cough, only mac pros, no other mac sold today has an expansion slot or spare drive bay).

So if you're going to use the argument that this is generic hardware inside a pretty case, why spend 2-3x as much on off-the-shelf merchandise? Because it comes with Snow Leopard, or because it's a status symbol?

Justin Culmo

@nutbastard: Hardware tailor-made for software? Lol... Get a clue.

@ISOHaven: Nice cover up to being a complete moron. I gave you a software title thats not only the HEAD of its field, but thats also MAC exclusive. Go back to building your WoW character.

imTheKing

pretty soon, they will have people crawling out of trailer parks with $200 wanting to buy a computer and will end up getting a pc that got thrown in the dumpster in the back of a Best Buy.

@imTheKing:

I know what will stroke your ego.

Apple makes mid to high grade machines. Did that make you harder? But certainly NOT high end workstations. Those are reserved for 4+ CPU workstations. 16 core+

ISOHaven

@imTheKing:

Did I not see the 8 core Mac Pro? Are you serious?

1. I already answered that. Go back and read.

2. 8 core is MID GRADE.

I think I know the problem. You see me use "mid grade" and you convert that to mean crap.

Well you're an idiot. Mid grade does not mean crap. Apple produces high quality components. But all in all, they are mid grade at best.

Also, to show your ignorance, PC or rather Windows since Apple sells PCs (!!!), also has digital compositing software. So you FAILED to give me a software title that does something that has never been dev'ed on windows.

Fail, fail, fail.... do you do anything else?

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: You sir, are insane.

Scandal.ous

@archdan: Not me. Tinker faeries made mine. Beautiful tinker faeries.

Scandal.ous

@Saboth: Similar? pfft. Not in the least.

Scandal.ous

@ISOHaven:

I feel dumber from reading both of your comments. No offense... I'm just sayin, maybe you should exchange email addys.

EventHorizon

@enm4r: I agree! I don't need any cheesy programs to make adjustments for me. If I want to browse the photos, I'll use bridge.

Wburg

Poor confused Microsoft. Should they really be giving away laptops to some of the few people dumb enough to buy a PC? I mean, if these people were already going to spend $700... Instead, they are just giving them the cash. No wonder they are worried.

SuchitaKaplog

@ISOHaven: Mid Grade machines for high end media firms? Now this concludes you don't know a damn thing about what Mid Grade even means.

Did you not see the 8 Core Mac Pros? Why not take a look before you make yourself look like even more of a fool. 32gb of memory is based on the OS. Did you notice there are 2 new OS upgrades coming to the market? Thats more than 32gb support right there genius.

Oh and you want a program thats on Mac and not on PC? How about Apple Shake, Final Cut Pro (or the entire Studio)? Guess what? Those are 2 HIGH END based programs made for HIGH END machines. Now go back to counting the pennies in your pocket.

imTheKing

Oh here we go again. pc vs mac vs pc vs mac vs pac vs mac. Get over it already. Whatever you prefer, stick it up your ass and keep it to yourself. The computer you use doesnt make you better than anyone else, so stop with the undeserved sense of superiority. I think gizmodo loves this, thats why they put these things on here, lets watch all the fanboys freak out. How about everyone just get a ruler and end this debate once and for all, because thats pretty much what all this is. A "who has the bigger cock" debate.

tweaker

@imTheKing:

1. You are so hot headed, you can't even conclude a rational thought in ONE POST. You have to post more then once numberous times. Grow up pal!

2. Why do they buy Macs? Training. Seriously, you couldn't figure that out? It's what they bought into and it's what they continue to buy into. I woldn't expect them to buy anything. Obviously MID GRADE machines are good enough for their work. Again, seriously? You couldn't figure that out on your own.

3. I changed nothing. My last statements are the same as my initial statements.

4. You gave no facts about anything. At least none that disprove me. You stated that companies buy Apple and that you buy nothing but high quality product "where you live". Neither of those comments have ANYTHINg to do with what I said about Apple.

Where's my proof? Are youy seriously suggesting that I provide a link to 8+ core PCs? A link to PCs that can use more then 32GB of memory?

As for your OS comment which your hot head left out the first time around.... Windows can run Photoshop just fine. There is NOTHING an Apple can do that a PC can't. But I would love to see any specific applications dev'ed for OSX that have never been dev'ed for Windows. It would be nice to FINALLY add one for their side.

ISOHaven

At 0:13 - "Take a look at these?"

Yes. Yes I did. And they are spectacular.

Colin McMillan

@ISOHaven: oh and one more thing you can add to your FACT book.

Hardware is only 50% of the end result. If your OS can't handle it, it doesn't make a damn difference. This has been proven time and time again.

imTheKing

@ISOHaven: Your a complete douche. I mean really. You just changed your one quote to a totally different quote and your logic of "high end" is complete garbage. If high end Mac based machines do not exist, then why in the world do the top media related firms (Music, Video, 3D, etc, etc, etc) purchase Mac based machines?

Your ending statement concludes that your just a complete cheap ass. You would rather buy a piece of shit product, let it last half the time and continue buying those cheap products. I don't know where the hell you live, but where I live, we purchase quality products that perform and last. Just because you can't cope with your lack of money doesnt mean you should think the world agrees with you. This isn't Somalia.

And I'm supposed to disprove your info further than the FACTS above? Where is YOUR proof? Oh thats right, its not a fact and its your stupid little opinion. Get over it.

imTheKing

@imTheKing:

So basiclly, what you are saying is, you're acting like a complete child over the term "bargain"?

Ok then, what would you like me to use?

Fact - You can buy a PC for under $300. Brand new. Stripped down. THAT IS A CHOICE that you have when it comes to PC. YOU DO NOT HAVE THAT CHOICE WITH APPLE.

That's the low scale. You'll notice APPLE DOES NOT EXIST in the low scale.

Middle scale, both are covered.

High scale, again, Apple does not exsist. If you want 8+ cores you can have it. If you want more then 32GB of memory in your PC, you can have it. This is not Apples market. Thus, Apple market is mid grade.

You keep ranting like a dolt, yet you never get anywhere. For some reason by my saying Apple is mid grade you seem to take offense. Well, that's your problem.

Oh, and you've done absolutly nothing to disprove the info I've given. Good luck with that!

And to answer your question, YES. If I was building a bargain home I would use the cheapest heating solution I could find. Welcome to MOST apartments and KB Homes.

ISOHaven

@NNTPgrip:
I have an HP Pavilion that is pretty nice. Solid hardware, attractive design and most importantly good specs. The newer HP's are a step in the wrong direction in design and I will agree that compared to a Dell lately they don't stand up but they aren't absolute junk. When it comes to the netbook something in me just loves the Dell Mini over the HP series, I got one of those and it's a joy but I digress.

The virus argument to me is completely asinine because I'm not a retard. A lot of people, however, are retarded and get viruses, true. When it comes down to it though it isn't some monster time consuming thing most of the time and the whole OMG GEEK SQUAD SO MUCH one really makes me laugh.

And don't get me wrong, as I've stated I have a White Macbook (Which has been shelved due to stress cracks and general obsolescence)and can use both OS' fine but when it comes down to price it's pretty ridiculous to me when both operating system do what I need to do about the same. If you are talking to some one with half a brain that knows how to avoid a virus or if they get one how to get rid of it, it's a different story.

For a lot of people, including the people that these actors are emulating, the price is still going to be a turn off even if you talked till you were blue in the face about how much better OS X was. Through the eyes of most people it's really not that much different than Windows. It's not worth the price of admission, that's for sure and when you can spend 400 bucks on a pile of shit laptop and use it for a few years until it is so filled with maleware that it barely turns on you can go right back and buy another one and guess what? You still saved money in the end.

For people who know what their doing it ends up being even better because if you aren't like me and can stand using an old machine for a while a 600 dollar laptop can easily last you 4-5 years. It just doesn't justify spending 2000 bucks on a shiny laptop with a piece of fruit on it.

Maori_Yelir

Ok, that would be an awesome spoof commercial, and fun to make. If I decide to make one, I'll source cite ya.@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS):

David Mortensen

@lancec50:
Or, and realize that I'm thinking WAY outside the box here, download a FREE antivirus, and click install.

But, that must be me being a Windows fanboy.

But, obviously, all computer users are just like you and can't figure out how to Google 'free anti virus'. Something tells me this isn't an OS problem...

taniquetil

@ottermann:

So, you're saying the best way test OS X vs Win7 is to use a system optimized for OS X?
Well, I certainly can't even begin to predict the result of that.

Take 100 computers, hand the owners a Win7 CD and an OS X CD and tell them to install.

See which one runs better.

Oh, wait...I forgot something...

taniquetil

@ISOHaven: what in the hell does it matter that 8 core PC's exist? That means absolutely nothing. Your idiotic comments were:

"Looking for a bargain? Get a PC.

Looking for a powerhouse? Get a PC.

Looking for anything in the middle? Get either a PC or Apple."

I'm guessing your assumption that high end is for PC's must be based on your vast knowledge. What do you think Pixar used for the movie UP? I bet they went out and bought some PC's to complete that....

Looking for a bargain being a PC is your OPINION. My parents would disagree with you as well as many other people whom need "bargain" deals. Quality of the product over cheap price. If you ever build a home for yourself, are you going to go to Home Depot and say "hey, let me get the cheapest possible heating solution you have because... well you know, I'm a bargain kind of guy"?

imTheKing

@loose_screw: He means one that was built in the last 10 years or so. So there would still be no Windows key, but there would be a right click.

@imTheKing:

Nope, you are wrong. Full of fact. What's my proof? The fact that 8+ core PCs exist.

So... who's bitter?

"but pack a better experience" = More opinion.

Like I said, Apples are nothing but mid grade.

ISOHaven

@loose_screw: I think I may have a solution for your problem...

plug in a pc keyboard and a regular mouse. It's for testing purposes only... So it wouldn't affect the test at all if you plugged in a proper keyboard and mouse.

and, because the comparison is not necessarily PC-MAC, it's more Windows - OSX, it is the only fair test.

tsdexter

@ISOHaven: oh and if Nutbastard is lacking logic, what are you lacking? Complete value of life?

Your entire post above is completely your individual opinion. It's not fact in any manner. It just shows that when it comes to buying things, your straight up cheap.

imTheKing

@ISOHaven: you seem to be straight up bitter at the fact that Macs are more in price but pack a better experience. Did mommy and daddy beat you?

imTheKing

I'm sorry, but that commercial feels dirty. Are they making porn movies at home? Hi, I'm a PC and we want a big screen so we can make porn movies. I kept waiting for the guy to go..."Hey, Hey come here...want to see naked pictures of my wife?" It was creepy. Microsoft, please hire an ad agency that has a clue. Maybe one run by adults, not giving us vomiting videos and this crap.

AngelaSalamander

@Digitallysick: Agreed. That plastic BS is a POS.

Christie Porter

@Ben Zvan: Best Buy always has better prices on computers than the manufacturer, excluding apple with the education discount.

Christie Porter

@nutbastard:

Wow! There's an award winning comment! Just like your first one.

@Jim Topoleski:

That wasn't the point and you know it. Yes, a 32 core machine is the EXTREME side of the example. The point was however, that's possible. The point is, more the 8 is possible. Apple = limits. That is "WHY" they are MID GRADE and MID GRADE only.

@Andrew Knight:

No, it's not like that at all. However you are correct when you state you are buying a brand experience. Just like when I buy a $500 pair of jeans. You are buying MORE then the jeans. Big whoop!

@nutbastard:

Yet the vast majority of their revenue is hardware so... your point is lacking logic and consists of nothing but assumptions and no facts. Just your opinion.

ISOHaven

@oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...: I like my Macs and all, but I think Sean hits the nail on the head... when it comes down to it, all of these spots are going to end up with the customer getting a inexpensive Windows PC.

I'd like to see MS try this 'experiment' with someone they find going into an Apple store, and then see what happens.

@Jim Topoleski: In fact, name two laptops at that pricepoint that don't have wireless. Maybe that would fly five years ago but not now.

Nigromancer

@Jim Topoleski: None at that price point don't have wireless. Wireless is standard.

Nigromancer

@nutbastard: Exactly! Windows as an OS is actually not bad at all (except for ME, 98 and Vista-release).

imTheKing

Honestly, all these generalizations about PCs are pretty ridiculous and untrue. People seem to forget that while yes, Mac's can be generalized as being very good looking inside and out and having decent performance with a slightly more premium price, the same CANNOT be said for PCs.

That is because there is such a HUGE variety among PCs. You can choose a computer like the Dell Studio XPS with Windows 7 and get a gorgeous, well performing and built pc that is on the higher end side of the scale which compares to a Macbook Pro.

You can also get a cheapo notebook from Acer that is all plastic and is loaded with useless bloatware and a last-century OS like XP. It's all about what you decide.

The general flaws on the PC side of the equation are that they are either presented poorly by mainstream electronic stores (featuring PCs with bloatware, bad hardware, uninspiring physical design) and also that consumers almost have "too many" options when it comes to the system they need + want.

The general gist of the argument is this: you cannot generalize PCs. There are too many different types, makes, and models from which to choose and judge.

In the end, if you buy the right system, the differences between a Mac and a PC will boil down to simply the front-end user experience. It's like buying a Sony vs. a Panasonic HD television. Both are pretty good. Both have their quirks. Both have not-so-great spots. But ultimately, both will leave the user satisfied and happy.

Allan A.S. Finch

@Justin Culmo:

"But keep in mind, Apple is more of a Manufacturer of hardware than software, Windows is bigger on software. Apple is more of a rip-off because there is no competition and everything is proprietary. They're a lot like Sony."

Not even remotely true. Apple has always been a software company first and a hardware company second.

they only produce in house hardware to ensure that their software runs stabily and performs well. their hardware is tailored to their software, not the other way around.

Sony is the opposite - they produce hardware first, then they hand it off to their software guys and say 'here - write stuff for this' - see the whole PS3 debacle if you're skeptical. it's a big reason why some versions of the PS3 are backwards compatible and some aren't.

the iPhone existed as an OS long, long before it had a native portable device to run on. apple only makes their own hardware because they dont trust anyone else not to fuck it up, which is windows downfall - they DO trust everyone to not fuck it up, and frequently, they do. that's why windows yields such mixed impressions - guy A has been running vista for a year without rebooting while guy B wants to put his head through the monitor.

for all i care everyone could get a pc less viruses for me ^_~

LinkinPain

bitch has got some bangin titties!!!!

Troy Gleason

@archdan: His name is Jonathan Ive and just because he has an accent doesn't make him an elf!

imTheKing

Apparently these uninformed consumers don't do any research before they make a purchase. "Lets just go to best buy and walk by about four laptops and pick one." Smart!

TrustedReviews.com: Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro, "No other laptop even comes close in style and impact."

T3.com: Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro, "There's never been a better time to buy."

apcmag.com: Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro, "Now is the time to cave into temptation."

anandtech.com: Apple's new 15-inch MacBook Pro, "Battery life to die for; Buy it."

pcmag.com: Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro, "Editors' Choice."

cnet.com: Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro, "Editors' Choice June 09"

pcpro.co.uk: Apple's new 13-inch MacBook Pro, "Beautifully made, fast and with great battery life, this is the best laptop Apple has produced for ages."

and so on...

Shabbis

These ads are actually sad if you think it through. Microsoft has gotten to the point of paying people to buy their machines. I wish Microsoft would pay me for a PC and that would then satisfy my pornlust. Cos I could just open up one site and a 100 other sites would automagically open up, thanks to Microsoft's excellent pop-up blockers. And then the next day, I just have to leave the computer on and this stuff would pop open by itself. Magic!!! I have two macs for work, a pc would be nice for the pornolust.... he he he ;)

@NightElfMohawk:
Well it could have been my girlfriend in there after her macbook pro blew up after only 3 years, and she has two ipod that only lasted about two years each.
It would have been something like this:
"How about a Mac."
"Yeah no thanks those pieces of crap don't last and they want to charge me shit loads to repair it, or offer me $100 off after spending $1500 on a new laptop. No thanks I will get this Dell my last one lasted me for years."

glamajamma

@ottermann: Running Windows on a Macbook would be far from ideal. No Windows key, no right click, etc. Not a fair comparison at all.

You get what you pay for.

EmilElephat

Yeah, but my macbook was handmade by elves. @kosai:

archdan

@Andrew Knight: Not to mention, Windows 7 is amazingly fast on Mac hardware as well.

imTheKing

*sigh* Does Microsoft have to really keep this shit up when they could be expanding what's going on in SUNY ATTAIN labs all across New York?

They're doing Microsoft Certified Application Specialist certification training + exams, and if you're 16-24, they pay you $300 for taking the course and $100 if you pass the exam.

That seems like a good enough bribe for me to buy a PC...

@Letao: And thankfully in Snow Leopard, this preference is being moved into System Preferences where it belongs. Now if they would put the default browser and mail choice back, things would be nice.

OS X definitely has it's quirks about where settings are.

drakino

@ISOHaven:

Buy an Apple?

That's like saying " Buy a Microsoft " haha

You don't get that, with Apple, you are buying a brand experience. Microsoft sells software and has 3rd party companies who house and make the computers.

But you know that already, what I am getting at is that Apple has better control over build quality, since they make the Hardware and Software, yes Macs crash but not as often as PC's do. I read a story about a guy who was freaked out after buying a Mac because he didn't have to fix or download anything right away, because it just worked and did what it was supposed to do.

And as for software I run both OSX and Windows XP for work, it is the best Windows machine I have ever owned.

Andrew Knight

@yoshitoshi: Quad core processors in "laptops" (desktop replacement tank machines) are generally clocked lower then the dual core equivalents. They also require more power, put out more heat, and ensure that battery life is in the crapper. If your running software that takes advantage of all 4 cores, then sure, it will be faster at that task then a dual core system. But there are still very few apps out there that really start to take advantage of a quad core.

Quad core laptops definitely serve a purpose, but that purpose currently isn't as a lightweight portable system with 7 hour battery life.

drakino

I really need to put up a website devoted to the cliches that come up in these Mac vs PC 'debates'. I can number them so you guys can just quickly quote the reference number and get it over faster.

I'll even throw in pages for Linux, Android, why resistive touchscreens are better/worse, why cloud computing is the future/failure and of course, everyone's fave, why the iPhone is the best phone in the world.

The more things change...

@justinhub2003: Virus' don't act the same way on OSX as they do on the Windows platform. Even if effective, they'll be less harmful and less of a pain.

imTheKing

they should drop the low end mac notebook to $700

@Der182: he never said that you guys couldn't be cheap and buy the poor mans choice. He just said that they compare low end garbage (in some cases, high end garbage), to good products.

imTheKing

@Maori_Yelir: HP consumer PCs are junk, and always has been. I did buy one of those Mini netbooks from them, and it is pretty decent (of course it has XP, and they didn't put any bloatware, nor do they require any over-bloated "driver-apps" for any of the hardware). They did BIOS lock the front Mini-PCI to the HP 3G card which is typical of HP. Also, Printers.

I buy the business-class Dells for people at work pre-downgraded to XP with the Vista Business License. PCs have their place, however no longer at home. Users have no idea how to do things, and they never will.(which is OK)

I find that if I talk someone into a Mac if they are buying a home machine, they really like it, and (most importantly) it never just shows up one day outside my office door with a note to "PLEASE FIX OMFG" due to some infestation. Also cuts down on... Having to try and articulate to a novice exactly why Norton and McAfee suck, spelling out over the phone the URL malwarebytes.org, trying to explain why for whatever reason spyware, adware, and malware, are not called viruses when really they are, going as far as telling people which porn sites that are safe to go to, etc. etc.

I can't lock their home machines down and auto-install the stuff they need from my desk(nor do I care to, or paid to do so). They go quiet when they get a Mac, usually the next thing I hear from them is that they end up replacing every computer in the house with them, and they are usually damn proud of that.

@Jim Topoleski: Dont you dare try to bring facts into this argument! Lets face it, most of these guys are just cheap asses in the first place and most don't give a shit about functional design or the quality of the product. Hell, I'd be willing to bet that at least a few of them live in the WoW fantasy and possibly even dress to boot.

imTheKing

@fallingskye: I know that I can automatically have it open nothing. But the problem is some cameras (none I've ever had) cannot be mounted like an HD. I want to browse the camera in Finder like any other USB stick and I don't have that option. I'll blame the camera companies for not using the correct profiles, but at the end of the day, I can do it in Windows and not OSX. Apple's going to share the blame on that one.

enm4r

@Sean Harrington:
About five comments up was reference to her modestly covered but very ample boozongas.

glamajamma

@Deltablade: They need to make an informed choice. If their priorities lie on ease of use and media applications straight out of the box, they definitely should go with a mac. But if they need hassle-free compatibility they should definitely go with a PC. I'm just saying they should know what they're buying.

pettiblay

@Justin Culmo: you know we got into this argument yesterday. EVERYONE is proprietary when it comes to MB design. Your Dell has a proprietary motherboard. Doesn't mean you cant pop in a new GPU if its designed for it.

But the same goes for Apple, ATI cards and Nvidea cards work PERFECTLY fine in a Mac Pro as long as the drivers are updated for them. Hell even in the PPC era most cards other than gpu or soundcards worked perfectly fine in a Mac, no drivers needed. My G3s USB2 card was a generic Newegg PC model I got for 10 bucks.

The memory is not special, nor is the CPU or hard drive or ANYTHING other than Motherboard design, which again is proprietary across the board.

So where are you making this shit up from? This isnt 4 years ago, your arguments are old.

Jim Topoleski

@deanbmmv: I think someone bought a Dell once.

Bongoes

@cpthook: It's not hard to interpret sarcasm when it's actually funny. If it were sarcasm, it wouldn't be funny. If it isn't sarcasm, it's not funny. Most of the people that read this "sarcasm" you speak of interpreted it as an insult. I did too. They call this a majority vote, and I can easily bash you for thinking it was sarcasm.

pettiblay

@tande04: can I steal it with you?

Bongoes

@Toastie: I sure hope so, if he stays that size for the rest of his life id be scared

to see mac fans whine and cry over commercials. priceless.

onlysublime

@ISOHaven: because you know EVERYONE wants a 24 core server in their house?

I want to see your bill after you plug in 2 1570W psus

Jim Topoleski

@Duane Llave: Maybe the fact that they just had a child and that they are probably spending quite a bit of money on it is why they can't spend as much. Even the white people aren't spending very much on laptops. Either way, the "consumers" are making ill-informed decisions based solely on price.

drokcab

It's not any secret that PCs are both cheaper and a better bargain than Macs. Their commercials are very realistic.

People may have their opinions, but in my experience, Windows-based PCs are no less stable than Mac or Linux. I have at least 40 machines running XP that go for weeks or months at a time with no crashing. They're also no more or less user-friendly or functional. Functionality is based on how many applications you can jam on your machine, really. Just like iPhones have the largest app store, PCs have the largest app market. If it wasn't for the app store, the iPhone would be no better than any other touch screen phone.

But keep in mind, Apple is more of a Manufacturer of hardware than software, Windows is bigger on software. Apple is more of a rip-off because there is no competition and everything is proprietary. They're a lot like Sony.

If you're on a budget, there's a Mac and a PC for you. But you probably can't afford the Mac. If you want a powerhouse, there's a Mac and a PC for you, but you DEFINITELY can't afford the Mac.

Justin Culmo

I'm just glad to finally see a black person in these commercials. I've noticed they haven't had an asian or indian person yet, nor have they had someone who will purchase a desktop instead of a laptop.

Wow those people are idiots. They obviously don't know anything about computers.Most like got the extended warranty and other useless junk pushed by Best Buy. Most computers can share photos. I'm surprised they didn't say it must have internet.

chapoec

@simbadogg:

...and it has an "S" on the back.

@simbadogg:

"many people in the blogosphere going nuts about the iphone 3GS, and how physically it was no different than the 3G/2G"

not true, it has a faster processor. fuck man, do at least some superficial research before spouting off, unless you somehow enjoy appearing to be ignorant.

@ISOHaven:

nope. the failure is all yours.

@yoshitoshi: And I'm sure you spent the next $1300 worth of man-hours on getting it to work "just right" and/or recovering from random hiccups and crashes.

But I digress.

Really, good for you. Put a feather in your cap and shout to the world what a great choice you've made.

DPeezy

@Jim Topoleski:

Oh gee, Mac PRO instead of G5... excuse the hell out of me!

However, now who fails kind sir? Like I said, there IS NO SUCH THING as an Apple powerhouse. I see your 8 cores and raise you 24+ cores.

Just stop....

@brobot:

Nothing I said was incorrect. So now who's bickering?

ISOHaven

@Adam Jackson:

Yeah, noticed that immediately. Looks great considering she squeezed that little box-muncher out less than a year ago.

I love how they rag on the Macs, but if you hear from actual people who were hit up with this offer and turned it down, you find out that the folks with the money say "you're allowed to buy any computer, except a Mac". Then, they go into the Apple section and rag on them like that was an honest choice.

I also find it fun that no one goes for something running Unix. Good times all around in shiny happy MS Land.

NightElfMohawk

seriously, who's the mom? that chick is nice!

@Cole.Mitguard: I heard from a best buy employee at a new store (I know, not the best source, but hear me out) that Apple has yet to renew their contract with Best Buy, so macs aren't getting priority placement. At this particular store, they (an imac and a white macbook) were just sitting next to the pcs, with all the other models in the back. The best buy I now work at still has the section, but hasn't updated it with the new macbook pros yet. They're just in the back.

so am I the first Gizmodo person to mention that she's effing hot?

She's like the first laptop hunter that I consider "hot"

MILF Hunter. We give you $700. We find you and get to keep you for one night of hardcore action?

sorry I got lost in the moment.

Adam Jackson

@simbadogg: Hi there, Mac guy here. I'm going to go off now and enjoy my virus free computer that most of the computing world couldn't care less about writing a virus for, make funny pictures with Photo Booth, and photoshop my sketches. O noes, I'm ignorant and brainwashed. Oh woe is me.

Kaiser-Machead

@simbadogg: The vast majority of people who make sweeping generlizations are 1) douchebags, or 2) just plain ignorant. Usually it's both.

See what I did there?

I own a macbook and use PC workstations regularly intensive apps (i.e. SAS, Access, etc). Just because Macs are marketed as simpler and "superior" to PCs doesn't mean the people who use them are idiots. Have you met the masses who use PCs? There's a reason Geek Squad's in business.

dividemebyzero

@comfortablesofa: True. for a while, I was really excited about getting a netbook, maybe even a dell mini hackintosh, but after using my dad's eee for a few days (not exclusively, but just tinkering), it seems like my wife's original macbook with 2gb of ram (similar models are selling for $400-$500 on ebay) is a much better machine, that's only slightly less portable. I think once my laptop dies (in 7 or 8 years, probably), I'll just be buying used macs.

There are a ton of refurbed HP dv7 laptops floating on the internet for a reason.

@oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...: I think the alienware gaming laptops are a pretty good reason to side with PC, you get 1 TB of storage, 8gb DDR3 memory, an overclocked Core 2 duo, a graphics card that is twice as good, all for $700 less than the closest apple

kosai - doesn't want to be disenfrachised

@pettiblay: That really depends on what computer you get. If I were out to buy a PC, on top of speed, I'd need something with great build quality. No matter how I slice it, I'm looking at over $1k to get a system that I feel would suit me best.

Kaiser-Machead

@Brett Benedict: I just got one too (replacement for a a couple of logic boards that were messed up within a week of each other), and it's been great. I've been on it for 2-3 hours today, and it still says 5 left. Not really the most scientific, but I was lucky if I could get three out of my old one.

Ha the kid was crying when they picked out that laptop.

@yoshitoshi: amen. fanboys, don't give me this crap that you can find the comparable mac at the same exact (or better) price. It's just not gonna happen. Yes, the materials Macs use may cause the price to rise, but I don't need a tank for my laptop that I take with me to class and leave next to my couch to google a quick fact while watching TV. I'll take the PC any day. kthxbye.

Funny. According to the HP website, you can't buy a dv7 for under $700.

I can't understand why people insist on continuing this boring debate. Anytime there is a post about mac or pc that's all the comments are ever about. I suggest we debate something more interesting. Like the fact that people who still debate which computer system is better/cheaper are stupid.

Mark Richardson

@enm4r: That might depend on the camera. My Fuji camera opens a drive in the Finder and I can browse the pictures etc. But if I recall correctly my Canon Digital Rebel does not.

You can stop it from opening anything when you plug in the camera. Under image capture preferences there is an option for "When a camera is connected, open: No Application".

fallingskye

@pettiblay:

Intelligent person? does that exist?

F_munk

@pettiblay:

Totally agree.. I use free anti virus but browse smart and never have to worry about Virus' and i download torrents like crazy.. its all about how smart you use your computer, generally idiots get virus...

My friends Imac crashes and freezes all the time ( safari is the worst, i swear it freezes and needs be force quitted multiple times a day) and thats with no virus

wats gonna be great is when all these mac pushes succeed in getting people to buy mac, and there market share grows, once the market share is there virus for mac will follow and these "mac is safer" toting retards will look like the idiots they are.. keep preaching the gospel, the virus's will soon follow

justinhub2003

@ISOHaven: hey man, thanks for the neat-o objective breakdown. real helpful - it's gonna pull a lot of 'swing voters' over to the PC side. definitely a win for the good guys. thanks for pulling your weight in the cause, bro.

</sarc>

You're right that there are plenty of reasons to side with a 'PC', and that there are definitely a lot more hardware options and a wider price range when you're looking for a windows machine. But you should have just shut up after that. I mean...

There seems to be a whole lot of bickering for the sake of bickering.

, and then you go on to bicker with your 'buy a PC' propaganda?

@ISOHaven: You said G5, a chip that hasnt been used in 4 years.

You sir failed the internet.

(BTW there is a such thing as a Mac powerhouse, but your talking about a computer in the 10's of thousands sporting 8 cores, 32 gigs of memory, a fiber channel 4 1ter hard drives, 4x NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512MB and god knows what else you could configure it with.

Jim Topoleski

@enm4r: Applications > Image Capture > Preferences > "When a Camera is Connected, open: [Drop down: No Application]"

@Saboth: Well now I decided to go hunting for you, and the cheapest laptop on Bestbuy even CLOSE to the Macbook, was a 1099 dollar Dell XPS, 100 dollars MORE than the Macbook.

So no you DIDNT look at stats, you just grabbed a cheap laptop and said LOOK THIS IS CHEAPER, when your right its cheaper, its also shittier too though.

Jim Topoleski

@enm4r:

i cant agree with you on the 'the only reason Printers have card readers" deal... because news flash.. umm up until this years WWDC Macs didnt have Card readers so obviously it seems more logical that maybe thats why there putting card readers in printers...

justinhub2003

I can tell two things from that commercial, that kid eats well and that is a happy man.

glamajamma

@my secret identity: It's more debunking hate than tossing out hate.

Yeah and it would seem that everything you own being plain white with no buttons or edges would have a calming effect. Mac owners are filled with an amazing amount of hate inside for as stress free as their computing lives are supposed to be.

SatyaLelex

"We're PCs so we can share photos of this little guy..."

as he eats the box.

Kids.

shorty63136

@pettiblay: Sure, you can buy Windows + hardware for much less than you would buy Mac + hardware, but you're not getting the same + hardware. It will be under-powered and have a lower build-quality. If you're going solely on cost, you need to look at the whole cost, not the pretend 'Apple Tax.'

@Geph_knows_more: one was, the other three were hewlett packards.

jerNELS

@Saboth: But did you look at the stats? If the laptop doesnt have wireless (dont laugh many at that price point dont) doesnt have bluetooth (again many dont) and has a intel integrated graphics chip, then we are not really talking about the same laptop here.

What kind of 2.13 ghz chip was in there, what was the cache on it? What kind of memory is it sporting DDR2 or DDR3?

Hell Macs come with gigabit Ethernet across the board, while many PCs STILL only ship with 10/100.

And who says you pay more at BestBuy than online? I have seen BestBuy sell Dells cheaper than Dell sometimes.

You really didnt prove anything since you didnt really give any USEFUL states just a blanket comparison of 2 items.

Jim Topoleski

@simbadogg: sorry, but you are wrong. and congratulations on calling most of the gizmodo staff brainwashed and/or douchebags. hope you get banned for that one. just because i have an iphone and a mac does not make me a douchebag or brainwashed. in fact, it doesn't make me any less or more of a person. i'm just better at getting some things done on my computer, and not as good at other things because of the computer i picked.

jerNELS

@pettiblay: What do you think a non tech savy family actually "needs" out of a computer?

Deltablade

@Tyler Anderson:
this is one thing i love about apple people, the vast majority of them are 1) either brain washed or 2) douchebags. by brainwashed, i mean the people who thing that macbooks are the only laptops that come w/ vid cams, or that its impossible for OSX to get a virus, or that the iphone is the first phone w/ copy n' paste....stupid stuff like that.

and douchebags, well...you get it. its to no surprise that i heard many many people in the blogosphere going nuts about the iphone 3GS, and how physically it was no different than the 3G/2G...so they would be able to be distiguished immediately as a premium 3gs user. if thats not a person that suffer from douchebag syndrome, i dunno what is.

simbadogg

Oh, GREAT. Another round of stupid PC commercials with stupid people I don't give a dead rat's ass about. I don't want to meet Paulo, Lauren, or any other moron Microsoft hired to shill for them. For the record, I owned many, many PCs. All of them were, beyond a doubt, pieces of utter freakin' CRAP. Finally switched to a Mac and I couldn't be happier.

CaptainSnarky

@MacAttack7388: maybe you should look at the specs. I have a quad core laptop that I paid $1700 for. The last time I looked the $3k Macbook Pros were still slow duos.

yoshitoshi

@i wish i had a cafe racer:

Exactly what I was thinking. There seems to be a whole lot of bickering for the sake of bickering.

There are mountains of reasons to side with PC when it comes to price point. But that price point comes at a.... price! HaHa. See what I did there? Nudge nudge...

Anyway, fact is, there's a PC for everyone. But there isn't an apple for everyone.

Looking for a bargain? Get a PC.

Looking for a powerhouse? Get a PC.

Looking for anything in the middle? Get either a PC or Apple.

Have money to blow out your ass for no good reason? Buy an Apple.

And for all the Apple Nuts out there that want to argue...NO!!! There is no such thing as a G5 powerhouse. Anyone can build or buy a PC that stomps any Apple. Welcome to limited hardware!..... and OSX STILL CRASHES!!!!

ISOHaven

@lancec50: Apparently all the Mac users just sit around and duke it out in comment sections all day. For a tiny group of people, they sure do toss around a lot of hate.

Worst Actress EVER!

ValerioB

@NNTPgrip: Honestly, I hate the way OSX handles digital cameras. While I agree you don't need 17 programs to pop up and ask about the transfer...I don't want ANY. And with OSX, I don't have that choice.

?Is it really too much to ask for support so that I can browse all my cameras in Finder as necessary?

enm4r

@NNTPgrip: HP is probably one of the better makers out there at the moment, calling an HP a piece of shit without even using it ozzes fanboy.

I do agree however that these commercials are absolutely terrible. They do a lot less for Microsoft and more for Best Buy and HP. The money argument can only be made so many times and while it's valid if you aren't even going to try to do a side by side SOFTWARE comparison you kill your argument.

There is plenty of positive points that Windows has over Mac OS X that can be showcased, more so when Windows 7 comes out but using HARDWARE arguments when Microsoft doesn't deal in hardware is doing nothing more than showing that more people make PC's and that there is more choice there (Which is a plus but not something that you can use as a marketing crutch).

Microsoft needs to ditch this ad campaign and instead of attacking Apple as Apple loves to do to Microsoft take another route and show off Windows 7 without Mac comparisons once that is out. Hardware makers need to start doing more adds that is more than showing the case of the thing too if they really want to help push Windows based PCs, Microsoft really doesn't have a case.

Maori_Yelir

@Maori_Yelir: Meant for this in another thread >.>

Maori_Yelir

@pettiblay: And you don't read well and/or have no sense of humor (I'm leaning towards the "and").

Jesus people, is it that hard to interpret sarcasm?

cpthook

@NNTPgrip: HP is probably one of the better makers out there at the moment, calling an HP a piece of shit without even using it ozzes fanboy.

I do agree however that these commercials are absolutely terrible. They do a lot less for Microsoft and more for Best Buy and HP. The money argument can only be made so many times and while it's valid if you aren't even going to try to do a side by side SOFTWARE comparison you kill your argument.

There is plenty of positive points that Windows has over Mac OS X that can be showcased, more so when Windows 7 comes out but using HARDWARE arguments when Microsoft doesn't deal in hardware is doing nothing more than showing that more people make PC's and that there is more choice there (Which is a plus but not something that you can use as a marketing crutch).

Microsoft needs to ditch this ad campaign and instead of attacking Apple as Apple loves to do to Microsoft take another route and show off Windows 7 without Mac comparisons once that is out. Hardware makers need to start doing more adds that is more than showing the case of the thing too if they really want to help push Windows based PCs, Microsoft really doesn't have a case.

Maori_Yelir

Is gizmodo seriously going to do a piece on every one of these lame commercials? regardless of which platform you use, I'm pretty sure that when you bought your last computer, you already knew going in that a PC was going to be cheaper than a mac. That's been the status quo since day one. I can't wait to see the next "Microsoft states the obvious" commercial you guys write an article about. Do they end up buying the PC? Oh I just don't know... the suspense is killing me guys.

Scott Jackson

@Toastie: Oh, he already is.

Looking for a laptop with "the ability to share photos" is like looking for a car that rolls.

the facetious feline

@GlenTen:
"Tom and Glenda wanted a laptop with good battery life a dual core processor and a 15" screen, we gave them an AK-47 and told them 'you find it, you keep it'"

@deanbmmv: There was another one of these comercials with some lady and her obnoxious kid, They bought a Vaio.

@lancec50: Or use your PC like an intelligent person and never get a virus in your life.

pettiblay

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS): Love it. I can see this becoming a reality series on TLC.

gerrylum

@rexplex: It i sa bit silly. Technically speaking, if you can run a Windows OS, an Apple OS, and a Linux OS, wouldn't that be more "life without walls"?

@ottermann: The more Microsoft spurs the hardware manufacturers sales, the more the hardware manufacturers sell PCs, and so they buy more Windows OS. Also, the price of Windows is much LESS than that of OS X if you think about the "Apple Tax". Basically, you can buy Windows + hardware for much less than you would buy Macintosh + hardware (that can run Mac OS). Don't get me wrong, I'm on Apple's side, but I do love Windows 7.

pettiblay

@comfortablesofa: If they were going used they could have found a windows laptop on craigslist for 200-500 easy (depending on specs).

Alduron

@strider_mt2k: I'm getting slightly suspicious of the HP bias. Is this a Windows ad campaign or HP ad campaign?

@Saboth: No you didn't.

JackTheTripper

@Kaiser-Machead: Classic.

Nicholas Black

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS): You have just made my day. Thank you. ;_;

@pettiblay: Good god is that ever true. Listen to Lauren. She likes big screens!

Brett Benedict

Olivia is hot. You find it, you keep it.

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS): VAIO's are pretty, but they don't do much. Sounds like a certain product MS doesn't want you to buy.

Brett Benedict

Does Microsoft even need to advertise to people who are looking for a personal computing device that are on a budget? One look at Apple's offerings would make them steer clear and choose a windows based machine.

This whole "mac vs pc" thing is really stupid. I use both and now windows 7 i actually like both. I wont pay for an apple machine (i have an osx86 system), however, but the operating system is quite nice.

@NNTPgrip:
My mom is about to get a Mac just for iPhoto. I showed her the Places map & her jaw dropped.

@Tyler Anderson: You're either a high class SoB that deserves to get run over by a Kia, or a hypocritical lower class SoB. Either way, you're a horrible commenter.

pettiblay

@Jafro: That's what I have noticed. But it is an endless cycle of snootiness. o_O

But I say, just be a man and own a mac and a PC!

The cycle continues! :P

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS):

don't worry it's a gift from Microsoft, it all ends up with the families returning the products and use an extra $200-$300 for a Macbook or Macbook Pro.

Duane Llave

I love Microsoft's tag line - "Windows, Life without Walls". It's not quite as catchy as "Welcome to the Social", but it's got that hip MS vibe going none the less.

Once the idiots get a virus a F-up their $700 laptop they will regret buying a PC. Pick a MAC and save the hassle

lancec50

@NNTPgrip: We;re gonna need a mop for all this hatred dripping all over...

@Duane Llave: Yeah I see what you mean, but every one of these people made it a point that they couldn't afford a Mac. True, though, that there's a lack of tact on this one.

Brett Benedict

@NNTPgrip: OR just pay cash for a Mac and stop being poor.

Hes a PC and hes 11...shes....not...

Not what, 11, a PC, half retarded?! WHAT?!

@Geph_knows_more: +1 :)

or some no-questions-asked butt-lovin' under the casual encounters section.... not that I've ..... nevermind....

hypocalypto

@comfortablesofa: And the same HP for $500. That's not the point.

pettiblay

@Tyler Anderson:

Nice!

I bet they wouldn't know a good cognac if they spilled it all over their Van Gogh.

freeboater

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS): And why in hell do they want the Windows suite? Oh god, Movie Maker is terrible. Also, Photo Gallery is dull compared to other companies' offerings.

@ closhedbb did actually give a reason for his argument, "Because obviously no one could come to a different conclusion than the one you came to and still be a reasonable human being..." he did not give a reason why PCs are better, but he didnt need to because that was not his argument.

i wish i had a cafe racer

@Kaiser-Machead: Somehow, I'd expect glossy polycarbonate to be more expensive than the rough n' ready polycarbonate lumps.

@comfortablesofa: I'm guessing this family would walk out of craigslist with a ladyboy escort and a ride to Dallas before they knew what hit 'em.

Brett Benedict

@MacAttack7388: Actually, most PCs have much more powerful hardware, but Macs make so much better use of their hardware that they end up being faster and, if you will, more "powerful".

pettiblay

I hate these commercials. Windows Photo Gallery, what a joke...

Who wants to bet in 6 months, you plug a digital camera into it and it will give you a choice of all the following programs to "handle" the photo transfer:

Windows Photo BS
Walgreens Photo BS
Some stripped down Adobe Element-like deal
Kodak do-everything app
Other drug store Photo app junk
Photo Software that came with digital camera
Photo Software that came with the printer

All with their own "album" indexes
All saving the files to slightly different locations
The user has NO IDEA where there photos are
There are duplicates everywhere (they just re-import to whatever program)

Windows is the reason why there are memory card slots directly on printers and most TVs nowadays, PictBridge, and why those drug-store/film-store digital photo printing kiosks make money.

If you believe the commercial you deserve that HP POS and your Vista hell. Here's an idea, wear a condom next time, and FINANCE a Mac.

@Kaiser-Machead: One or two were a Sony.

@nala1908: I wouldn't call it epic, but it's pretty good. I just picked up a new MacBook Pro (old iBook G4 finally broke) and they rated the battery life at 7 hours. I'd put it more at 5 and a half, 6 maybe. Still pretty good.

Brett Benedict

@comfortablesofa: They can also find someone to go on a date with, then get brutally murdered......

I can already smell the next ad myself:

Meet Mike. He wanted an Apple laptop for free. We gave him a .44 caliber pistol and told him, "You find it, you keep it."

「You can already tell where this is going.」

も＿も

I like how Apple compares using OS X to Windows, where Microsoft compares other manufacturers hardware with Apples.

They aren't even comparing the same thing.

A true test in the Microsoft vs Apple battle would be to give people a MacBook Pro booted into Windows, or OS X. Same hardware, different operating systems. Let them try both for, say, a month.
Then see who likes Microsoft and who likes Apple.
You would still see a lot of people choosing Windows, but it would be based 100% on software, which Microsoft manufactures, and not hardware, which Microsoft does not.

And, really, if you want to talk pricing, compare the price of Windows to that of OS X.

ottermann

Bah, thats why ill start my own consulting business and charge $100 to scoure the slickdeals forums or fatwallet for a laptop deal and save the poor souls a couple hundred bucks instead of taking it up the ass at bestbuy.

Which i wouldn't mind doing if the customer(s) looked like that girl.

BeerManMike

@tande04: He couldn't POSSIBLY be joking?

Brett Benedict

@Tyler Anderson: I understand how you feel towards the riffraff that spend their meager shillings on these lumps of polycarbonate, but maybe you should show a little compassion for the destitute. OK?

Kaiser-Machead

If people actually buy the BS that the paid actors in this ad are spreading, they deserve to make an uninformed choice and buy something that doesn't meet their needs. And die.

pettiblay

@strider_mt2k:

he strike a nerve?

...YOU don't drive a kia, do you???

@nala1908: They were looking for something that fit ALL their predetermined parameters. That $700 bit made the Mac an impossibility, no reason for them to have brought up anything else. Of course you can get a Mac with a big ass screen, and one with excellent battery life. And Macs can share pictures with the best of 'em. You just can't walk home with a new Mac if you left with $1000 in most states.

closhedbb

@GlenTen: Meet Mike. He wanted an Apple laptop for free. We gave him a .44 caliber pistol and told him, "You find it, you keep it."

「You can already tell where this is going.」

も＿も

@tande04: And your post is... Sorta the same thing?

Jafro

@Duane Llave:

Kaiser-Machead

@Tyler Anderson:
HAHAHAAA

@strider_mt2k:

"I'm shocked."

...by the faulty power supply?

@AnalysisDialysis (and a MudkipNDS): one actually purchased a Vaio. The really loud mom and her dumb son.

Duane Llave

@closhedbb:

you refute his declaration that there is no 'real reason' and berate him for doing so, and yet you've refrained from giving one.

not raggin on you but you might want to give a reason instead of putting words in the fellows mouth. he never said 'no reasonable person would side with the PC' - he said there is 'no real reason to side with the PC'.

@GlenTen: Don't forget about using CPUs for tanning hides! ;)

Why, oh why, does almost every freakin' ad have the consumer buy an HP?!

At least get a Sony VAIO with all that money, man...

It's weird how all the white people in the commercials were spending way more money on the computers. Then you come with a mixed nationality family then it had to be cheaper? Is their something you need to say MS? I think these people were forced to do this because they don't seem enthusiastic as the other people.

The mom is a milf though. So that's a plus.

Duane Llave

The computers they buy in these things are underpowered, and if they cross the $1000 threshold, they're more expensive, for less power, than a Mac.

Actually look up the specs of the computers they get in these ads. The dell that guy with a fake accent got? Yeah, it was less powerful than an entry level Mac, but cost the same prices as one... and he's the idiot who said Macs were all about aesthetics.

@Toastie: Completely agree.

@closhedbb: I'm stealing that saying.

tande04

@oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...:
Funny, I just went to the online apple store and the cheapest laptop they had was a 2.13 ghz with 2 gigs of ram for $999.

A similar laptop on Best Buy (where you pay 20% more than online) is about $599.

Saboth

@Cole.Mitguard: I don't feel like watching the prior commercials, but I'm also certain that every single one of these ads featured an HP as their ultimate buying choice, so good ol' Hoopty 'Puters is probably doing a lot of pushing itself.

Kaiser-Machead

@oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...: "No real reason to side with the PC any more for a laptop"

Because obviously no one could come to a different conclusion than the one you came to and still be a reasonable human being...

I have no problem with arguing for your side of the coin, but at least have the brains to admit the coin has two sides.

closhedbb

@Cole.Mitguard: Fry's has both, although i think they've filmed some of the spots there too.

Reid Antonacchio

These laptop hunters are pretty disappointing hunters honestly. Why not use a hunting knife and rifle and just lay in wait in the grass by the parking lot and get a laptop the honest way: By hunting it.

And like the native americans before us, you better use every part of that laptop or risk angering the laptop spirit.

@Tyler Anderson: I like how the Mac guys are just embracing the whole snooty attitude.

Makes it easier for everyone.

tande04

None of this will help the fact that Matt's been seeing the neighbor lady for weeks.

Kaiser-Machead

I can only imagine how pissed Apple is that they gave Best Buy the rights to carry apple products only to have Microsoft come in and use the store to advertise their products.... Best Buy being the only store that I can think of that carries both Mac's and PC's (Im not saying they are the only one, just the only one that I can think of). What is especially surprising to me is that Best Buy is doing to campaign as they spent a LONG time pushing apple to allow them to resell their products. Oh the crazy world that is capitalism!!!

Cole.Mitguard

to be fair, they could easily find a mac on craigslist for $700

comfortablesofa

@Tyler Anderson: Whatever.

Just be sure to use your turn signals there, fancy pants.

dont macs have epic-super-awesome battery life now?

nala1908

@oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...: -and hot air.

well you get what you pay for. Ill bet they drive a kia too. Worthless lower class citizens!

Tyler Anderson

That baby actor, he's going to be big someday.

I feel like you wanted to tell us something more, Sean Fallon.

-another HP too.

I'm shocked.

HA they dropped the price hunt. I wondered what they would do after apple dropped all their macbook pro lines down a few hundred. No real reason to side with the PC any more for a laptop. Plastic and rubber, or aluminum and glass.

@imTheKing: BTW, I'm still waiting for you to prove: 8>16>32

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: We've all proved you wrong at this point. Every single person on this thread agree's that your logic of an 8-core machine not being a "high grade" machine, is bullshit. Get over it. Time for you to enter a few more threads and make a complete fool out of yourself a few more times.

imTheKing

@imTheKing: BTW, I'm still waiting for you to prove: 8>16>32

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: No problem. It's the least I can do considering how great of an image you have here.

imTheKing

@imTheKing: Wow, thanks for bringing my other point all the way home.

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: You done sucking down the cock yet? Or you still up for more?

imTheKing

@imTheKing: Of course I'll be waiting forever because you have NOTHING! Sorry moron, but only in your world is this true: 8>16>32

ISOHaven

Cheap is cheap - how many times do they need to make the same point that PCs are cheap, and bought by cheap-skates...

S-Express

@ISOHaven: yep your done. Catch you on the next post, when you come out and make a fool out of yourself again.

imTheKing

@imTheKing:

BTW, I'm still waiting for you to prove: 8>16>32

ISOHaven

@imTheKing:

"has been disproved numerous times by numerous commenters in this thread"

No, it has not.

1. The only thing you have ever said (other then I disprove you) is that people use Apple machines therefore they are all high end. Just another idiotic comment from you.

2. I asked for software examples where "something" could be done on a Mac and NOT on a PC and all you did was give me a software solution that exists for BOTH Mac and PC. Yes, douchbag... different software solutions. But both machine are 100% capable of doing the work.

So, according to you, you claim you already proved this to be correct:

8>16>32

Well then, that simply proves you are a fucking idiot.

I'm still waiting...

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: Alright really now. Your theory of "high grade" machines has been disproved numerous times by numerous commenters in this thread. So since you just want to be a little bitch at this point and seem to focus your account on here simply to re-post idiotic comments, this will be the last response for your own good. Go get a job man and learn a thing or two. Next time you won't look like such a fool in front of everyone.

imTheKing

@imTheKing:

Interesting. In 99.999999% of your posts, you sidestep and always try to bring up something else.

BTW, I'm still waiting for you to prove: 8>16>32

ISOHaven

@ISOHaven: and still no answer. Is this your double account? The one you come on to pretend there are more than one single user arguing a purpose?

imTheKing